subject: How To Train A Reining Horse - Basic Steps [print this page] Reining is a kind of equestrian sport wherein horses perform sliding stops and circle at varying sizes and speeds. The competing horses perform the movements individually on a show ring. And the judges give them a score; consequently, the highest scorer wins the competition. But for individuals who want to compete, they should know that reining is ideally performed with an assisting trainer. However, the movements could be practiced at their own homes too; so that the skills of their horses could be improved. Nevertheless, the steps on how to train a reining horse should be seriously studied.
First, the trainer would need to prepare a level riding ground and boots for the protection of the legs of his horse. Then, he could begin by teaching his horse to go around or to circle. He must ensure that the circle is really round. So, he could place buckets and cones, or he could draw a circle on his riding ground. Circles are usually loped in the reining competitions. So, the trainers horse has to know its leads. He must pick up the rein and ask his horse for the appropriate lead. And he could make kissing sounds to request for this lope. These steps on how to train a reining horse are fairly easy.
Then, the trainer could do the other steps on how to train a reining horse such as teaching flying changes and walking the horse around. He should also teach his horse to spin by beginning with running in small circles. And with continuous training, he could gradually request for more steps. He should also keep in contact with his horse often. He should practice it until it learns how to stop at a cue. And then, he could finally teach his horse to begin sliding and stopping.